Arki is a small town in Solan district, Himachal Pradesh, at about 1,045 m in the Siwalik hills. It was the capital of Baghal state, founded in the 11th century by Rana Ajai Dev, and became the seat of the Baghal rulers in 1643. Its fort-palace, built between 1695 and 1700, still stands above the bazaar, and its interior carries frescoes painted in the mid-19th century.
The fort is the reason most visitors come. Part is a family home, part has been a small heritage hotel since 2010, and part is ruined. The Diwan-i-Khas, the private audience hall, has carved wooden pillars and walls covered in Pahari-style paintings of Krishna and the gopis, Ramayana episodes and lovers in the nayika tradition. A few kilometres away, the Lutru Mahadev cave temple adds a pilgrimage stop.
Arki also sits in Gorkha history. General Amar Singh Thapa used the town as his headquarters until 1815, and the ruined Malaun Fort, where he made his last stand, lies in the hills nearby. Majathal Wildlife Sanctuary, known for the cheer pheasant, is a longer outing for walkers and birdwatchers.
This is a quiet place with modest facilities. Treat it as a half-day or one-night stop from Shimla, Solan or Kasauli, ideally between March and June or in October and November.
Before you plan
Arki at a glance
- Best months
- March to June and October to NovemberMarch to June and October to November; July and August are wet, and winter nights are cold
- Ideal trip length
- Half a day to one nightHalf a day to one night; add a day for Malaun and Majathal
- Airport
- ShimlaShimla (Jubbarhatti) is the nearest, with very few flights; Chandigarh is the practical airport, about 100 km away by road
- Railway station
- Kalka is the nearest broad-gauge…Kalka is the nearest broad-gauge railhead, about 70 km by road; the Kalka-Shimla narrow-gauge line passes through Solan
- Getting around
- Buses and taxis connect Arki with…Buses and taxis connect Arki with Shimla, Solan and Dharampur; a hired car is best for Lutru Mahadev, Malaun and Majathal
- Daily budget
- Modest: simple meals and local…Modest: simple meals and local transport are inexpensive; heritage stay rates are not published, so ask
- Senior comfort
- Moderate: the fort is on a hill with…Moderate: the fort is on a hill with steps and the cave temple is steep; roads are winding
- Language
- Hindi and Pahari dialectsHindi and Pahari dialects, including Baghati; English is understood in hotels
Prices, opening hours and weather change. Recheck live details before booking.
Best time to visit Arki: March, April, October, November. Month-by-month weather →
How many days do you have?
Arki itinerary
One good day
1 day in Arki
Start at Arki Fort in the morning for the Diwan-i-Khas frescoes, then walk down to the bazaar for tea. After lunch, drive the short distance to Lutru Mahadev cave temple, and return to town in the late afternoon.
Day-by-day plan →Two days
2 days in Arki
Spend the morning at Arki Fort and the afternoon at Lutru Mahadev, with an evening walk in the town.
Day-by-day plan →Three unhurried days
3 days in Arki
Arki Fort in the morning, Lutru Mahadev in the afternoon.
Day-by-day plan →
